Overview of European Play-off Draws
The draws for the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League play-off rounds have been finalized. Several clubs from Scotland and England have identified their potential opponents as they seek to secure spots in the respective league phases.
Champions League
Celtic has been drawn against Austrian champions LASK. The first leg is scheduled for August 18 or 19, with the return fixture on August 25 or 26. The losing side will transition to the Europa League league phase.
Europa League
Rangers and Hearts face multi-stage qualifying requirements.
- Rangers: Must first overcome Jagiellonia Bialystok in the third qualifying round. Success leads to a play-off against either Larne or Iberia 1999.
- Hearts: Must defeat Benfica to reach the play-offs, where they would face AGF Aarhus or Sabah.
Both clubs have requested the postponement of domestic league fixtures scheduled between the first and second legs of these potential play-offs.
Conference League
Brighton, Motherwell, and Hibernian have learned their potential paths:
- Brighton: Drawn against CFR Cluj or Tromso. Ties are set for August 20 and 27.
- Motherwell: Must defeat HJK Helsinki to face Freiburg in the play-off round.
- Hibernian: Must overcome KF Shkendija to face IFK Gothenburg or Gent.
Operational Impact
Clubs eliminated in the third qualifying round of the Europa League are guaranteed a secondary opportunity in the Conference League play-offs. Rangers and Hearts have already identified potential opponents for this contingency: Rangers would face Jablonec or RFS, while Hearts would face Paide or SK Rapid.
